How do graduate visas work in the UK?
- Creative Careers Club
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 2
If you're an international student on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa and you want to stay and work in the UK creative industries after completing your course, now's the time to read up on graduate visas (also known as post-study work visas).
Arming yourself with some extra knowledge about how graduate visas work will help you to pitch yourself to creative industry employers when you're writing those all-important job applications and cover letters, and explain the details to any potential employers who aren't familiar with graduate visas.
What is a graduate visa and who are they for?
A graduate visa gives you permission to stay and work in the UK for a fixed period of time after successfully completing an eligible course in the UK. It gives you permission to work in most jobs, look for work, or be self-employed.
The amount of time that graduate visas are valid for is changing. A graduate visa will be valid for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.
If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, your graduate visa will last for 3 years.
When should I apply for a graduate visa?
You must apply for your graduate visa before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
You can apply after your university, college or other education provider has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course. You don't have to wait until after you’ve graduated or have received a certificate from your university, college or education provider.
Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.
How much do graduate visas cost and who pays for them?
When you apply for a graduate visa you'll need to pay a £822 application fee plus a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK. These prices are correct as at 20 February 2025.
The graduate visa is paid for by the individual, not the employer. If you've got a valid graduate visa, the employer won't have to pay any visa or sponsorship costs in order to hire you.
What happens when my graduate visa expires?
It's not possible to extend a graduate visa, but you may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to have a confirmed job offer before applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
Information correct as at 2 November 2025